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Stanford University vs University of Chicago

Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools

Getting in

Acceptance rate3.8%4.5%
Early decision rateNo ED—
SAT middle 50%1520–15701500–1560
ACT middle 50%34–3634–35
Applicant reports on our site1,279633

Cost and aid

Tuition$67,731$75,960
Food and housing$22,944$21,414
Sticker price per year$91,518$100,089
Average need-based grant$72,166$78,651
Average % of need met100%100%

Outcomes

First-year retention97.5%99%
6-year graduation rate91.6%95%
Undergraduates7,3467,453

Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.

Stanford University or University of Chicago?

Is Stanford University harder to get into than University of Chicago?

They are about equally selective: Stanford University admitted 3.8% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and University of Chicago admitted 4.5% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Stanford University and University of Chicago students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1520–1570 at Stanford University and 1500–1560 at University of Chicago.

Which is cheaper, Stanford University or University of Chicago?

Before aid, Stanford University costs about $91,518 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $100,089 at University of Chicago (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $72,166 at Stanford University and $78,651 at University of Chicago.

Does Stanford University or University of Chicago have a higher graduation rate?

91.6% of Stanford University students graduate within six years, compared with 95% at University of Chicago.

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